That’s how we roll

On the weekend, we almost played a game of lawn bowls with the Malaysian national team. True story.

After a successful outing with The Crew™ at the Selangor Turf Club, Kelly organised an afternoon of lawn bowls at the Commonweath Games Lawn Bowls Complex. Upon first correspondence, our contact friend at the club Mr. Ramble Oxley asked Kelly “Are you playing amongst yourself or do you want me to arrange a friendly game with the National Team?” Hmmm, let’s think about that for a minute. Ahhh, we’ll pass… A couple of the national team members were there anyway to give us some lessons and join in our games.

Everyone turned out in their bowling whites, with TJ donning a fire-engine red Winfield blazer which he found a decade ago. He pulled it off by wearing red striped socks and red belt. Quite the fashion on the pitchcourtgroundlawngreen.

Ramble brought us in under the ‘federation’ so we wouldn’t have to pay the usual RM150 day hire (~$50 Aussie… split between 13…) . He also gave us use of the kitchen and lounge, as well as allowed us to consume alcohol as long as we didn’t get unruly (who, us?) and we disguised our drinks in paper cups and stubby holders — or in some cases giant Starbucks mugs. Ramble refused to accept a donation because the government sponsors their competitive training and travel, and so suggested we give the greenskeeper a little something for preparing the green for us.

We may claim to be the first group of lawn bowlers who delivered a bowl backwards, away from the jack. Kelly was the culprit and claims to have had “Cheezel fingers”. A legitimate excuse in my book.

At the end of the day there was chocolate cheescake as it was a joint welcome home for Tori and Colin, and my birthday (for this week). After much gorging and more drinking, Ramble presented us with official Malaysia Lawn Bowls pins welcoming us into the club. How awesome?!?

That’s how we roll in KL.

Ps. If anyone in Adelaide’s going to the Asia Pacific Championships in a couple weeks, make sure you say g’day to Mr. Ramble Oxley.